When I was young I thought I had to sound like a great writer to be one. It was all so overwhelming; now I know I only need to sound like myself. My ideas come from two primary sources. My work might spark from the enlightening words of a friend, teacher or writing prompt. At other times, I am sitting in a very still space and the words I should write come to me like a powerful and glowing wind.

My favorite tool is the pen. Though computer keys get the words down quicker and easier, I like to put pen to paper, smell the ink, see the words as they are developed and renewed by new phrases or thoughts.

I enjoy traveling to wherever the character takes me. This often means even I am surprised and warmed at the outcome. In the end, when my writing is done, I like to watch the eyes of the reader whenever I can. Their reflective expression gives me the greatest glimpse into what my writing has become.

Before I was one, I loved to read books-or at least, pretend to. I couldn’t walk yet but I would crawl to the bottom shelf for what I wanted. My Grandma says my books were placed near the floor for that very reason, and my mother speaks of me pulling my favorite book from the shelf and crawling back to the couch with the book safely in tow.

I would sit on the couch and pretend to read, speaking the language of some foreign diplomat-or perhaps, the tongue of angels, my mother wasn’t quite sure which, and when I was done, I would crawl back to the shelf for another story.

When I am not writing I’m reading. I am an avid reader of the scriptures and books of spiritual merit. I have been married 30 years and enjoy teaching and working with youth and children-including my own three girls,three grand-daughters and grandson.

A published writer since 1987, I have published various newspaper and magazine articles for teens and adults

INTERVIEW:What is one book everyone should read? “Mere Christianity,” by C.S. Lewis

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. It will connect you with God.

What inspired you to want to become a writer? I was pregnant with my first daughter and stuck home feeling sick. I decided to write.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?“Never give up. Never surrender” (From the movie, “Galaxy Quest”).

What is your favorite Quote? “If I were stunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia with the rocky mountains piled upon me, I would hang on, exercise faith, keep up good courage and I would come out on top” (Joseph Smith).

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?Yes. Ms. Virginia Bean, only Virginia is a bit more daring and adventurous.

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? Do what you love.

How do you react to a bad review? I have a “mad/crazy” moment, then I work on seeing the truth behind the comment and make changes as necessary.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? It’s already been done—twice. First with, “A River of Stones,” and second with “Conquering your Goliaths.” The first book told the story of a young girl named Samantha and her parent’s divorce, the second, about a woman striving to get to know God on a more personal level. Both books are fictional renditions of me.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit? Okay, it’s “Little House on the Prairie.” I cry every time.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Definitely chocolate. If they don’t have chocolate in heaven, I’m not going.

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter!! I’m just discovering its joys!

Conquering Your Goliaths

David gathered 5 smooth stones to meet and defeat Goliath. What did these stones represent and how can you use them to conquer Goliaths in your own personal quests? Ms. Virginia Bean will show you how.

Travel with her on her own personal journey. See what she does. Learn how she grows. Discover what she becomes.

“Conquering your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones” is for anyone desiring to travel beyond mediocrity, pain and fear. Learn of the great power within you, a power given to you from God, a power that must ultimately be unleashed to conquer the Goliaths in your own life. Come to an even deeper understanding of God and what he wants for you.